NeighborWorks America Gives Mutual Housing Green Organization Designation
Program honors organizations with sustainable business practices that save money and improve the environment.
Local nonprofit Mutual Housing California recently earned the first green organization designation in Sacramento County from NeighborWorks America, a Congressionally mandated program that funds affordable housing and community development nationwide.
The Green Organization Program designation required an extensive review of green business practices in the nonprofit’s operations, communities and programs.
“We are enthusiastic about being a part of this program because it honors our commitment to work green across the board, inside and out – in all elements of our housing and leadership development activities, and in all aspects of our operations,” said Colin Bailey, Mutual Housing vice president and executive director of the Environmental Justice Coalition for Water.
Mutual Housing has been known for its green focus since 2002, when the nonprofit became the first multifamily developer in the Sacramento Municipal Utility District to install solar electricity.
“Mutual Housing California is a leader in sustainable business practices, helping individuals and families become healthier with an improved quality of life,” said NeighborWorks America CEO Eileen M. Fitzgerald.
“In being given this green designation, the nonprofit shows that green business practices are good for business, for family budgets and for community improvement,” Fitzgerald said.
NeighborWorks’ created the green organization program in 2011 to support the sustainable building and management practices of the 235 nonprofits nationwide that are part of the network.
To date, 42 nonprofits nationwide have been awarded this honor. NeighborWorks America’s goal is to have at least two-thirds of its member organizations designated green by 2016.